Martin Cuddihy

Martin Cuddihy is the ABC's Africa correspondent. He has worked as a senior journalist on some of the broadcaster's most prestigious programs. In September 2013, while based at the Nairobi bureau, Martin covered the Westgate Mall massacre and siege when more than 60 shoppers were shot dead by terrorists in Kenya. Prior to his positing Martin worked for the flagship radio current affairs division on AM, The World Today and PM, and before that he was the Tasmania correspondent for 7.30.

An unknown number of hostages are being held by gunmen inside a shopping centre in Kenya's capital Nairobi, more than 17 hours after terrorists from the Somali group Al Shabaab launched a deadly attack on the complex.

At least 39 people were killed and scores more injured when heavily armed gunmen attacked the city's Westgate mall on Saturday (local time), throwing grenades and shooting shoppers as they went.

The Kenyan government says hostages are being held "in several locations" throughout the complex, but added the upper levels have been secured.

Terrorists are holding an unknown number of people at the mall's Nakumatt supermarket, one of Kenya's biggest chains.

President Uhuru Kenyatta says police are engaged in a "delicate operation", with the top priority being to safeguard the lives of those being held.

The dead includes children and the wounded range in age from two to 78. French and Canadian citizens are confirmed to be among those killed, but there is no indication that any Australians have been hurt.